Byblos
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At a glance
- Country
- Lebanon
- Region
- Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate
- Population
- 40,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Beirut–Rafic Hariri (BEY)
- Coordinates
- 34.12°N, 35.65°E
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Overview
Byblos, known locally as Jbeil, has been lived in for thousands of years, and the layers show. Phoenician temples, Roman columns and a crusader castle share one compact archaeological site above a small stone harbour.
The restored old souk is pretty and easy-going, with craft shops and cafés, and the town fills up on summer evenings when people drive up from Beirut for seafood and the sea air. It makes a gentle day trip or a relaxed base on the coast.
Things to see
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Photo: Peripitus, CC BY-SA 3.0 Byblos Castle
A twelfth-century crusader castle built from older Roman stones, with rooftop views over the ruins and the harbour.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Orient at de.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.0 de The archaeological site
Wander past Bronze Age temples, a Roman theatre and royal tombs on a headland facing the Mediterranean.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Flickr user koldo, CC SA 1.0 The old harbour
A small, sheltered port of fishing boats and stone walls, at its best in the late afternoon light.
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Photo: Elgaard, CC BY-SA 3.0 The old souk
Cobbled lanes lined with craft shops, fossil sellers and cafés, leading from the castle towards the sea.
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Photo: Camille Enlart, Public domain Church of St John-Mark
A crusader-era church with a graceful open-air baptistery, still in use and close to the souk.
Things to do
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Photo: Gerda Arendt, CC0 Seafood by the harbour
Settle in for a long lunch of mezze and grilled fish as the boats come and go.
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Photo: kcakduman, CC BY 2.0 Day trip to Jeita Grotto
Spectacular limestone caves in the hills between Byblos and Beirut, with a boat ride through the lower cave.
Find tours -
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0 Swim along the coast
Beaches and beach clubs line the shore south of town, busiest at summer weekends.
Where to stay
Old town
Boutique guesthouses within a few minutes' walk of the castle, souk and harbour.
Hotels in Old townThe coast road
Larger seaside hotels and resorts, better if you want a pool and a beach.
Hotels in The coast road
Getting around
The historic centre is small and walkable. For Jeita or the beaches, taxis are the easiest option.
Byblos is about 40 kilometres north of Beirut along the coast; buses and minibuses run regularly, and a taxi from the airport takes around an hour depending on traffic.
When to go
Late spring through to autumn is warm and good for swimming, with July and August the hottest and busiest months. The town hosts a well-known summer music festival. Winters are mild and quiet but wetter. Check current UK travel advice for Lebanon before you go.
Plan your trip to Byblos
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.